Fred b



Patented Oct. ll, I898. F. B. SNYDER;

No. 6l2,064.

S H 0 E.

(Application filed June 12; 1897.)

(No Model.)

WZHE 5555 UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE.

FRED B. SNYDER, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.

.SHOE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 612,064, dated October 11, 1898.

Application filed June 12, 1897. Serial No. 640,425. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRED B. SNYDER, of the city of Minneapolis, county of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shoes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvementsin shoes and boots, and particularly to improvements in the means to aid in drawing on the shoe or boot.

The objects of my invention are to dispense with the usual pulls or loops commonly used on shoes and boots and to provide in place thereof neat and inconspicuous means to enable the wearer to firmly grasp and hold the edges of the top of the shoe or boot when drawing the same onto the foot.

The particular object of my invention is to provide a projection or enlargement in and upon or near the upper edge of the shoe or boot top, so that a strong grip and pull may be exerted thereon when said top is grasped with the hands, as when putting on the shoe or boot.

My invention consists generally in a shoe or boot having in its top a projection or enlargement, however formed, for the purpose and as hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claim.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, and in which-- Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a shoe embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional detail of a shoe or boot top, showing another way of forming the projection upon the side thereof. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a shoe-top and another form of the projection or, enlargement or grip. Fig. 4 is asectional View thereof on the line w 00 of Fig.2. Fig. 5 is a sectional View of a modification of the construction shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 illustrates a short cord laid in the edge of the shoe-top to form a projection. Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the edge shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows a metallic button to be fastened on the side of the shoe-top. 'Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate other metallic devices which may be employed.

In drawing on a shoe or boot the straps that placing the thumbs inside the shoe.

are usually provided upon the back or side of the shoe or boot top are seldom used. The straps are not in the right place to direct the strain properly, and it is more natural to use both hands and grasp the sides of a shoe-top, This way of pulling on a shoe is preferable, as the strain upon the top and the vamp tends to draw the shoe evenly over the heel and instep of the foot Without binding or wrinkling. Further, a strap used on the back of the shoe-top is usually concealed by the heel of the foot when the shoe is being put on and is not so accessible or convenient for the fingers as the sides of the shoe-top. To prevent the fingers from slipping and aid in drawing on the shoe, I provide on the shoe-top, near the upper edge thereof, a knob or projection or extra thickness which may be arranged in various ways and constructions. As shown in Fig. 1, the projection is made by sewing or otherwise securing a small piece of leather or like material upon the outer surface of the shoe-top, near the upper edge thereof, the lower edge of the piece forming a shoulder to prevent the fingers from slipping from the edge when the top is grasped between the thumb and finger. A projection is preferably provided upon each side and is placed more toward fio the back than the front of the shoe, so that it there is any projection or lump upon the inside of the shoe it will be accommodated in the natural hollow of the ankle. The additional piece 2 may be covered and held in place, if desired, by a second piece of leather 3, placed over and overlapping the edges of the piece 2, as shown in Fig. 2, the edges of the finishing-patch being stitched or glued to the side of the shoe.

In Figs. 3 and 4 I have illustrated a modification which comprises a small button 4, placed between the leather and the lining of the top and held in place by stitching the lining and the leather together around the button. This form may be modified to make the projection entirely upon the outside of the shoe, as indicated in Fig. 5.

A still simpler way of forming the grip or projection in the upper edge of the topis illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, which show a short cord stitched in the edge of the top, said too edge being rolled over the cord, or, as shown in Fig. 7, the cord may be fastened between the outside and the lining.

The forms of my device so far described are best adapted for use when they may be completed With the shoe in the factory. In connection with any of them I may roughen the surface of the leather. For attachment to shoes already made I preferably provide metallic buttons, lugs, or projections in any of the varied forms of rivets, which, as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10, may be applied to the shoe already manufactured, it being an easy matter to secure or clench the same in the upper edge of the shoe-top. Such metallic devices may also be used in manufacturing the shoes, in which case the inner edge or point would be covered by the lining.

Any of the forms of the device admit of the imprint or application of the nameof the man ufaetu rer or the dealer or of other advertisement. The metallic pulls or grips are preferably made with slightly-roughened surfaces to enable a better grip to be had upon the shoe-top. If desired, the projection may be made entirely upon the inside of the shoe,

and the same will be accommodated in the hollows of the ankle of the wearer, and none of the devices or equivalents which may be substituted therefor Will interfere With the comfort of the shoe or with the dress or cloth ing of the wearer. If desired, any metallic grip or projection having a part to hinge or swing out and form a hook may be used; but I do not prefer such forms of my invention, as the smaller and more inexpensive improvements shown accomplish all of the results to be gained by a larger device.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent A shoe having in or upon its top a projection or enlargement located opposite the natural hollow of the ankle when the shoe is placed upon the foot.

In testimony whereof- I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of June, A. D. 1897.

FRED 13. SN YDER.

In presence of- O. G. IIAWLEY, RICHARD PAUL. 

